FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Rescue crews rushed a boy to the hospital after he was pulled unresponsive from a pool in Wilton Manors, officials said.
Wilton Manors Police officers and Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue crews responded to the scene of the near drowning along the 1400 block of Northeast 23rd Street, just before 5 p.m. on Friday.
“Unconscious cardiac arrest,” said a 911 dispatcher.
Officials said the boy is between 4 and 5 years old.
Upon arrival, first responders initiated CPR on the child, as he was unconscious and not breathing, then transported him to Broward Health Medical Center.
By the time the child arrived at the hospital, cellphone video captured him sitting up and alert.
It’s unclear how the boy ended up in the swimming pool or for how long he was in the water.
Officials said the boy is alive and responsive in the hospital.
Loved ones who arrived at the hospital appeared relieved that the little boy was OK.
7News cameras captured the family and friends hugging one another.
Neighbors told 7News they believe the house where the incident occurred is an Airbnb. They reacted to the news.
“You know, it’s scary. It must be the worst thing you could think of as a parent,” said area resident Susan Leith.
“When I heard that, I felt so sad,” said area resident Susan Norman.
Neighbors said that while they don’t know the family, they know this story could have had a very different ending.
“I don’t know what happened. I’m just like a bystander that my heart is exploding,” said area resident Carol Currier.
“That’s why taxpayers don’t think twice about funding for things like police and firefighters, because when it comes to something like this, it’s unvaluable,” said area resident Mike Sansevero. “A few extra dollars in the tax rate for that is more than worth it. So kudos to the Fort Lauderdale Fire Department.”
As of late Friday night, the child remained in the hospital.
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